Pip & Growhttps://pipandgrow.com
Safe Sleep for BabiesMon, 20 May 2019 17:50:22 +0000en-US
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1 https://pipandgrow.com/postpartum-mood-disorder-prep/
Mon, 20 May 2019 17:41:40 +0000https://pipandgrow.com/?p=8415In the spirit of maternal mental health awareness, I’m sharing what I *wish* my husband and I had done before the baby came to help with my postpartum mental health. That’s right - these are things you can do BEFORE THE BABY COMES. It’s the same principle as putting the nursery together before the baby is born. Except the nursery is your brain.

This is mental health awareness month. And I’ve seen lots of articles going around that encourage new moms to recognize the signs of postpartum depression and anxiety and get help. Super. That’s awesome.

But, you know what’s kind of chapping my ass about it? New moms, in general, are in no kind of shape to advocate for themselves. Not even for a lollipop. Much less for mental health care that can be stigmatized, expensive, or outright unavailable.

I had postpartum depression. And postpartum anxiety. And the entire time I swore up and down that I would be just fine if I could sleep for a few hours. You know why? Because I couldn’t handle one more thing. Not one single thing. My plate was overflowing. I couldn’t motivate to make a sandwich, much less a therapist appointment.

So, in the spirit of maternal mental health awareness, I’m sharing what I *wish* my husband and I had done before the baby came to help with my postpartum mental health. That’s right – these are things you can do BEFORE THE BABY COMES. It’s the same principle as putting the nursery together before the baby is born. Except the nursery is your brain.

Identify a local therapist or doctor that you like

Oftentimes, women see their OB for all things health-related while they’re pregnant and don’t really have a general practitioner. That’s fine until the baby comes out, your OB vanishes, and an impossibly young pediatrician is standing at the foot of your hospital bed. That’s not who you want assessing your mental health. Go ahead and choose a local therapist or doctor before the baby comes. If you don’t like the person, go to someone else. Keep going to people until you find someone you like. Yes, this is time consuming but it’s not going to be any easier when you have a tiny dictator to schlep along.

Go visit said therapist or doctor

Just one little visit. You can even tell them “I’m coming to see you so that if I’m feeling squirrely after this baby comes out, I’ll already know you.â€ They’ll understand. Heck, they’ll probably even tell their doctor/therapist friends about their super smart, prepared pregnant patient from that day.

Make an appointment that you probably don’t need

Go ahead and schedule an appointment with your doctor or therapist for about 2-3 months after the baby is born. You probably won’t need it, but at least it’ll be sitting there on your calendar. And if you or your loved ones have any worries at all, you can always go to the appointment and get a quick check. Best case, you’ve wasted 45 minutes.

Make a list of warning signs

Give it to your partner and close friends. Trust me. If you find yourself in the thick of things, you may not realize you’re struggling. But the people who love you will. Point them to a list of things to watch out for. Here. You can use this one.

Give loved ones permission to send you to the doctor/therapist

Have a conversation with the people who love you. Tell them that you care about your mental health and will probably need their help to keep an eye on things. You can even make them a fancy card that they can hand to you that says “I love you! I’m worried about you! Please call your doctor!”Go ahead and put the phone number on the card so they can call for you.

Give loved ones permission to make an appointment for you and drive you to the doctor/therapist

Some of us (ahem, raises hand) are stubborn. We claim that everything is fine even when literally everyone can tell it is not. Tell your loved ones ahead of time that they have your permission to make an appointment and take you to it, if they are concerned. Promise them that you want to hear their worries. For some reason people are weird about mental health – we see someone bleeding from a giant leg wound and call 911 but if we see some struggling with a mental health issue we tiptoe around and don’t want to hurt their feelings. Postpartum mood disorders are the equivalent of gaping flesh wounds.

Make a list of helpers

When you’re pregnant everyone on Earth will say “please let me know if I can do anything to help!” Mostly we nod, smile, and never call those people again. Maybe try something different. Write down their names. Reach out when you need a little help. Make your partner do it if that’s more comfortable. People love nothing more than to help with babies. Truly. I swear. I would give my big toe to have a baby to bounce and tiny onesies to wash right now. As long as I can give the baby back and get a solid 8 hours of sleep at the end of the day. Show your partner or close friends where to find the list of helpers. Give them permission to call the people on it on your behalf.

Promise yourself you will accept the help

Raise your right hand. Repeat after me, “I [name] am a strong and capable person. I am also about to embark on a physically rigorous, emotionally difficult journey. I promise to accept help on this journey. I will not think less of myself. I will not feel ashamed for asking. I am worthy of receiving help from the people who love me”: I know. It sounds cheesy, but making this promise ahead of time makes you much more likely to keep it should the need arise. It can be really hard to accept help. Every mom thinks she should be able to handle it all. Guess what? No one can. We all need help. Every last one of us. Beyonce has at least 27 nannies and if she can’t do it alone, then no one can. Let the people who love you take shifts with the baby, bring you food, and do your laundry. Promise yourself that if a loved one raises a concern, you’ll go see a professional about it.

Make a plan to get some sleep

This is the cruelest piece of advice. I’m sorry. One of the best ways to stave of postpartum mood disorders is to get rest. Of course, that’s the one thing new moms basically can’t do. So, before the baby comes, talk with your partner or loved ones about how you might get some extra rest if you feel like you’re struggling. That might mean hiring a local kid to come bounce the baby while you take a nap during the day. Or perhaps you decide to introduce a nighttime bottle, given by your partner, if things are going awry. Maybe it’s as simple as your partner bringing the baby to you for nighttime feedings. Then, as soon as baby has eaten, your partner takes the baby away for a diaper change and some soothing while you go back to sleep.

Write your future-self a note

Put it away for a rainy day. What would you want to tell yourself if you were struggling? You might remind yourself that you are strong and wise. You might make note that all things are a phase and this too shall pass. You may want to remember that seeking mental health care will set a great example for your child. Perhaps you want to say that postpartum mood disorders are easily treated and are fairly common. Maybe you just want to remember that you are an outstanding mother, no matter how low you might feel. Whatever you might choose to write, make sure you give yourself permission to feel whatever you may feel and encouragement to seek and accept help.

Doing these things won’t keep you from having a postpartum mood disorder. But, hopefully, you can set yourself (just like you set up that crib) so that if an issue arises, you’re prepared to knock it back quickly. Most of all, your loved ones are prepared to offer you support in that effort. It’s hard to recognize these symptoms in yourself. Let others help. Let the people who love you, love you.

]]>Bed Sharing as Safely as Possible with Your Babyhttps://pipandgrow.com/bed-sharing-safely/
Tue, 16 Apr 2019 11:10:51 +0000https://pipandgrow.com/?p=1419I would have new moms ask me in a quavering voice how they could bed share safety, and I would reply "NEVER!!!" I’m sorry mamas. I didn’t know any better then. I’ve grown a lot since my wee first days in injury prevention. I’ve learned that a risk-reduction technique is way better for families, and it actually meets them where they are, which is usually somewhere between desperate and exhausted.

Considering bed sharing with your baby? You may be exploring options. For new parents it’s a tough decision.

The best preparation is education. Here’s where the baby sleep experts at Pip & Grow weigh in.

Of course, these recommendations can’t 100% prevent SIDS. But you can certainly reduce the risk by following these guidelines. Happy parenting!

Bed Sharing vs Co-Sleeping

The first thing to get out of the way is the difference between co-sleeping and bed sharing. They aren’t the same, though they are often used interchangeably.

Co-sleeping is sleeping in the same vicinity as your infant, or what experts call ‘within sensory range’.

This means you can hear, see and smell baby. Bed sharing is a type of co-sleeping. Bed sharing means you are sharing the same sleep space, namely a bed, with your baby. This is a small, but significant difference.

However, the question we still frequently ask “Can I bed share safely?”.

The answer is ‘Yes, BUT,” with a capital “B-U-T.” Bed sharing comes with risks.

Safe Sleep Recommendations

A member of the AAP Safe Sleep Taskforce, Dr. Lori Feldman-Winter says “If you are feeding your baby and think that there’s even the slightest possibility that you may fall asleep, feed your baby on your bed, rather than a sofa or cushioned chair.

As soon as you wake up, be sure to move the baby to his or her own bed,” she said. “There should be no pillows, sheets, blankets or other items that could obstruct the infant’s breathing or cause overheating.”

The debate over safe bed sharing continues to rage in the clinical and public health community. Parents can make the best choices when they are fully informed. Here we go.

Get Your Free Safe Sleep Checklist

Pip & Grow's Safe Sleep Checklist is a great asset to include in your Parenting Toolkit for when your newborn baby arrives! Simply enter in your email and it will send it right to your inbox. It's that easy!

No Smoking

No Drugs (legal or illegal) or Alcohol

Smitten can be placed right next to your bed for those nights when you’ve had a glass (or three) of wine.

Did you drink tonight or take meds that might make you drowsy? That means baby sleeps separately from you. Remember, baby can be right next to you in a baby box bassinet (like the Smitten). But when you are not able to fully rouse, it’s dangerous to sleep with baby.

Check the Temperature

Chances are, it’s not the North Pole in your house. Put baby in one more layer than what you are comfortable in.

Check your Baby’s Age

Babies 0-4 months of age are at increased risk of SIDS. Be particularly vigilant if your baby is less than 4 months old.

Use a Pacifier

If breastfeeding is well established, offer a pacifier.

A History of Bed Sharing

To bed share or not to bed share? Here’s how the American Academy of Pediatrics has evolved their recommendations over time.

1990sIn the mid 90’s, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) came out with a strong statement against babies sleeping on their bellies. However, their stance on bed sharing was less than strong, stating:“Bed sharing or co-sleeping may be hazardous under certain conditions”Just “may,” huh? And what were those “certain conditions” they speak of? That’s for another history lesson, kids.

2005What we do know is that by 2005, the AAP swung definitively into the camp of “no bed sharing.” The taskforce cited several studies which demonstrated increased risk of death with bed sharing. AAP drew a firm line in the sand with anti-bed sharers on one side and sleep-cuddler, pro-bed sharers on the other. And it hasn’t been pretty. Ever since then, safe sleep advocates have taken an “abstinence only” or risk-elimination stand when it comes to bed sharing.

2016However, in October 2016, the AAP ever so slightly softened their stance on bed sharing. To be clear, the AAP still does not endorse bed sharing and they still believe the safest place for baby to sleep is in their own sleep space (which is true).

However, the AAP finally acknowledged that many parents (like 60% of parents in fact) are sometimes falling asleep with their baby. And this is despite being educated on safe sleep. What that means is that parents are EXHAUSTED. And we need to throw them a damn bone.

]]>Baby Boxes: Keeping Newborns Safe in Natural Disastershttps://pipandgrow.com/disaster-relief-newborns/
Tue, 27 Nov 2018 02:32:27 +0000https://pipandgrow.com/?p=6494Last week, we got a call asking us for baby boxes to help ensure infants affected by California fires have a safe place to sleep. So many little ones have fled their homes. They need beds just like their parents do.

Just before Thanksgiving, we received a call about a soon-to-be mother who was displaced from her home because of the Camp Fire in California. Nikki and her fiancé were living in a hotel and needed a safe place for their baby to sleep that would fit in a hotel room. Donating a bassinet to Nikki was an easy decision.

The request got us thinking… So many little ones have fled their homes. They need beds just like their parents do. Families fleeing fires rarely have time to gather their belongings before seeking shelter. That means many young babies end up sharing a shelter or hotel bed with their parents – a practice the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) discourages because it increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or suffocation.

Smittens loaded for disaster relief in California.

Donating Boxes

In response, we donated 50 baby boxes (which is a lot of boxes for us!) to Baby2Baby, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit that distributes baby products to families in need. Because Smittens are lightweight, portable and come with the sheet and mattress in the box, they are an excellent solution for disaster response. But, with tens of thousands of displaced California families, Baby2Baby needs more baby boxes.

“The AAP has been clear about what babies need for safe sleep. A bed of their own, free of loose toys or blankets. A baby box is a simple, elegant solution for many families – especially those who have had to abandon their carefully-planned nurseries.” Amber Kroeker, MPH, infant safety expert and Pip & Grow founder said.

“In many cases, families fleeing these fires have lost everything. It’s our honor to partner with Baby2Baby and ensure that any baby who is in need of a bed, has one.” Kroeker said.

About Baby2Baby

With celebrity board members including Jessica Alba and Julie Bowen, Baby2Baby provides low-income children with the necessities of basic living like diapers, toys, books, and, with Pip & Grow on board, now baby boxes.

]]>Kate’s Giving Away Her Favorite Things!https://pipandgrow.com/kates-giving-away-her-favorite-things/
Fri, 09 Nov 2018 13:26:30 +0000https://pipandgrow.com/?p=5948I’m a mom of two. I’m the owner of a baby brand. That means I have access to the very […]

Smitten Baby Box

Of course I’m starting with a Smitten. In our house, a Smitten baby box is the foundation for good infant sleep.

Did you know that babies sleep better when they consistently sleep in a familiar place? Totally makes sense. However, parents are often stuck using different sleep places – mini cribs, playards, even swings or bouncy seats (gasp!), whatever is close at hand. That’s a recipe for bad sleep for everyone. Not in my family. We prize sleep above all other human needs. That’s why Smitten is at the top of my favorite things list. I would take Smitten anywhere, plop it down next to me, and my baby would be asleep in minutes. And I would relax because 1) I could see them right there and 2) I knew they were sleeping safely.

Baby Sleep Site Deluxe Consultation

I was 5 months pregnant with my son when my daughter went through her 18-month sleep regression. I thought I was going to die if she didn’t start sleeping through the night again. (I’m a touch dramatic.) It was worse than the newborn days. We tried everything – my husband was even sleeping on her floor at night. (Ok, in truth, he was lying on her floor at night, not sleeping at all while she yelled at him.)

So, I wrote to the experts at the Baby Sleep Site and begged for help. I filled out a comprehensive assessment and worked with one of their baby sleep gurus. They sent me an incredibly detailed sleep plan that matched our needs (and capabilities). Within a few days my daughter was back to her good sleep habits. Why didn’t I do this sooner?!

The good folks at the Baby Sleep Site are offering you the same amazing opportunity. We’re giving away a Deluxe Email Consultation Package and a copy of their book: B.A.B.Y. Steps to Better Sleep.

Wash. It. Later.

This product is genius. The premise: You’re away from home. Your kid spills/blows out/otherwise sullies their clothes (and let’s be honest, probably yours, too). Normally you’d throw the dirty clothes into a plastic baggie to wash at home. But that gives stains time to set in. Your little one’s adorable outfit is permanently ruined. Devastating.

No more.

With Wash. It. Later. you just pop those dirty clothes in the Wash. It. Later. bag, add water and seal. The all-natural, hypoallergenic soaking pod starts lifting the stain while you finish your errands. When you get home, cut the bag open and put the clothes in the wash. Clothes (and your sanity) are saved!

While I absolutely love these for kids, I also love them for MY clothes. My son loves nothing more than to spit his last mouthful of milk out on to my shirt. Yeah, we’re working on changing that behavior, but in the meantime my clothes are getting wrecked. (Is it possible that breast milk is the most staining substance on the planet? I think yes.) Now, I can just swap shirts and start soaking the stained one even when I’m away from home. I’m in love.

Wash. It. Later is giving away their Original Pack. That’s three bags with three soaking pods. Should be plenty to get you through the holiday at grandma’s house!

Merlin’s Magic Sleepsuit

Merlin’s Magic Sleepsuit is a miracle worker for swaddle transition time. It’s made from a heavy material, which helps muffle those infant startles. But, it also lets baby practice having his arms free. The neck is super wide so you don’t have to fret about suffocation and baby can’t pull the fabric over his face. The double zippers make it easy to get it on and off. And, did I mention how cute kids are when they wear them? They look like tiny astronauts. Seriously.

Pro tip: The sleep suit is warm enough that baby doesn’t need heavy duty PJs underneath. A lightweight onesie will do the trick.

50 Things To Do Before You Deliver by Jill Krause

There are a lot of blogs out there. But there aren’t many that are as beautiful and honest as Jill’s blogs, Baby Rabies and Happy Loud Life. She’s smart, funny, and authentic. She takes spectacular photos. And she can write her face off.

Her family (of 6) is currently trekking around the country in an RV and proving that there are a lot of different ways to live well and raise great humans.

This year, Jill really put her writing skills on display and published her first book! It’s my go-to baby shower gift and I only wish it existed when I was pregnant with my first baby. There are some very important tips contained in these pages. Some of which (mocktails!) are especially pertinent around the holidays.

Jill is sending our lucky winner a copy of her new book. It’s just as smart, funny, and lovely as she is. (And you should go follow her on instagram if you don’t already.)

Zippy Jamz

“I love snaps” – said no parent ever.

When we met Nichole, founder of Zippy Jamz, at ABC Kids in 2016, I didn’t know that there was such a thing as baby PJs without snaps. I mean, yes, there are the ones with the cross body zippers that go from shoulder to leg. But, you basically have to completely undress your kid to change a diaper with those suckers.

Nichole, being awesome, sent me home with a pair of Zippy Jamz and my life was forever changed. The key is that there’s a crotch-only zipper. So, middle of the night diaper changes were a quick zip, change, zip. No more misaligned snaps. No fiddling. No mostly naked baby yelling because he’s cold. Just zip the PJs open and zip them closed. You’re welcome.

We’re giving away a set of the navy cloud Zippy Jamz. It’s my favorite pattern – a little modern and a little traditional.

All together, our giveaway is worth a whopping $400. That’s $400 of the very best baby goodies that you can win FOR FREE. So, go ahead. Do the thing. Enter your email address here and cross your fingers. Who knows? Maybe we can take care of your new-mom holiday shopping in one fell swoop?

We’ll contact the lucky winner on December 21st, so check your email for an early holiday present!

]]>What is SIDS?https://pipandgrow.com/what-is-sids/
Mon, 01 Oct 2018 21:09:22 +0000https://pipandgrow.com/?p=496If you are a parent, you most certainly have heard the term SIDS, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, but what is it?

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, as a parent you may have heard this.

But, what is it?

The official definition of SIDS is “the sudden death of an infant less than 1 year of age that cannot be explained after a thorough investigation is conducted, including a complete autopsy, examination of the death scene, and a review of the clinical history”.

That’s quite a mouthful. Let’s face it.

No one likes to talk about or think about infant death – especially new parents.

I certainly didn’t choose infant injury prevention as a career because I love talking about babies dying. I chose it because I could make a real difference in the lives of parents and their children.

And I try to be a voice for those children who did not survive. They deserve that honor.

The short version: SIDS is an infant death that is truly unexplainable.

Another public health expert once explained to a group of doctors that SIDS is like a big black box.

We can’t see into it and we don’t know what is in there.

How is SIDS Diagnosed?

Through research and investigation, we slowly shrink the box as we find explanations for deaths that would have previously been called SIDS.

When an infant dies, a multi-disciplinary team conducts a thorough investigation. We do a lot of tests to look at any undiagnosed health issues the baby may have had.

We examine the baby’s home and sleep environment for risk factors – like crib bumpers or loose blankets.

We conduct a thorough review and come together to decide on the cause of death. If we can’t find any explanation, then that death may be diagnosed as SIDS.

What Causes SIDS?

While we still don’t know what causes SIDS, we can begin to understand what IS NOT Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

SIDS is NOT:

SIDS isn’t suffocation.

SIDS is not caused by vaccines.

SIDS is not contagious.

SIDS is not the result of neglect or child abuse.

SIDS is not caused by cribs (even though it was called ‘Crib Death’ for many years).

SIDS is not caused by vomiting or choking.

SIDS is not completely preventable, but there are ways to reduce the risk.

Can You Prevent SIDS?

While SIDS is not completely preventable, we do know that there are steps parents can take to lower their baby’s risk. Let’s start with the basics – these are the most important steps you can take.

The ABC’s of Safe Sleep

Seems pretty straightforward, right? But, we did some focus group testing to find out why parents were not practicing the ABC’s of safe sleep consistently. Not surprisingly, the top reasons are fatigue and convenience. Tired parents are more likely to do whatever helps baby sleep, even if it’s a little riskier.

Pack-n-plays and cribs are great but hard to move around. Parents told us they were more likely to choose unsafe sleep spaces like car seats, bouncy seats, and couches because they were more accessible and convenient than a crib or pack-n-play. It can be helpful to choose a secondary, portable sleep space to encourage safe sleep habits for every sleep time.

But, What about Bed-Sharing?

“If room-sharing is good, what about bed-sharing?” you might ask. If you do choose to bed-share, it can help to know some of the things that make bed-sharing dangerous so you can avoid them.

Bed-sharing is riskiest when baby:

Is younger than 3 months old

Lives with someone who smokes

Shares a bed with someone who is very tired

Shares a bed with someone who is using medications or substances, such as alcohol or illicit drugs

Shares a bed with someone who is not a parent, including other children

Shares a bed with more than one other person

Sleeps on a waterbed, older mattress, sofa, couch, or armchair

Sleeps on a bed with soft bedding, including pillows, heavy blankets, quilts, and comforters

By avoiding these situations, it’s possible to reduce the risk of SIDS and suffocation while bed-sharing. ‘Choose’ is the key word when it comes to parenting style – bed-sharing including.

Unplanned bed-sharing usually includes several of the risk factors named above. Planned bed-sharing is much safer for baby.

As parents, we have so many hard decisions to make. We feel constant guilt. There are some things you can never protect your child from, and that really stinks. But there are other ways you CAN protect your child.

What about Baby Boxes?

Made in the USA, Smitten baby boxes are designed by leading public health, safety, and product-development experts.to help reduce the risk of SIDS or suffocation and make convenient sleep spaces an easy choice for parents.

Smitten Baby Boxes

]]>What is a Baby Box?https://pipandgrow.com/what-is-a-baby-box/
Mon, 17 Sep 2018 11:36:10 +0000https://pipandgrow.com/?p=1633What IS a baby box? The short answer: A baby box is a place for your infant to sleep. But, a baby box can (and should) be so much more.

Baby Boxes By Pip & Grow

Baby Boxes: Research at the Forefront

Our baby boxes were designed by leading public health, safety, and product-development experts at two leading Michigan universities.

Designed by child-safety experts

Slanted sides promote airflow

Smooth, non-toxic corrugate and firm mattress reduce CO2 rebreathing

BPA and phthalate-free handles protect little fingers

Water repellant sealant makes easy to clean up

Recyclable

Benefits of Smitten Baby Boxes

Raising babies can seem so… complicated. Every day there’s a new gadget, gizmo, app, or tool that supposed to “help” us parent better.

As though we don’t know how to raise a baby without all of that digital assistance. It’s no wonder we’re all overwhelmed and beset by mom-guilt.

We’ve been trained to believe that “more is more” when it comes to our children. But, most of us didn’t grow up that way. In fact, many of us slept in (gasp!) dresser drawers at some point during our infancy.

A crib may not always be handy for the busy moms on the go. Fortunately, with our European-chic baby boxes, life just got easier.

Easy & Convenient – You don’t have to worry about breaking track, activate, connect, power-up, power-down, reset, or download anything. Simply place it where you need it!

Aligns with Baby Growth – The Smitten baby box is designed to be used as your baby gets bigger. It’s great for babies 0-6 months (and some beyond) AND has a higher weight rating than any other on the market.

Easy Transitions for Baby – For the moms transitioning baby to new crib or a Montessori baby room, the Smitten makes it super simple and convenient.

Portable & Light – Baby boxes like Smitten, are ultralight (2 lbs!), so you can easily grab it and place it wherever baby has zonked out. Then, as your day progresses, you just carry baby – still blissfully asleep in the Smitten – wherever you go throughout the house.

Baby Boxes Are Multi-Functional

The Smitten baby box for newborns is an elegant solution for parents that want to keep their babies close without sacrificing safety or convenience.

While it’s primarily a safe sleep place, you can use it for a hundred other things too:

A European Tradition Brought to the USA

Finland, a worldwide trendsetter in health care, has been giving new moms baby boxes since 1938.

As a country, Finland has the second lowest infant mortality rate in the world. Coincidence? We think not.

Which is why we knew we wanted to bring baby boxes to the USA. We work solely with American manufacturers that pay a living wage in communities of need to create an amazing product for generations to come.

1. My son sleeps peacefully right next to my bed. Right where I can see him. Right where I want him to be.

2. I know babysitters can put my son to sleep safely – the instructions are right on the headboard.

3. I can tote my (sleeping) baby around the house in his baby box while I get other things done.

4. The handle inserts keep my fingers safe when I carry my baby box. Plus it makes the baby box look a little fancier – and who doesn’t like fancy?

5. When it’s time to go to grandma’s, I throw everything my baby needs for the trip into his baby box (except the baby, of course) and put the whole kit and caboodle in the trunk. Anything that makes packing easier is a win in my book.

6. It’s so pretty! I love the little deer on the foot of the box – keeping an eye on my son while he sleeps. There are special details everywhere I look.

7. It’s easy. I put it together in 2 minutes. Everything I needed came right in the shipping box. Nothing else in baby-land is that easy.

8. The slanted sides help air move around my son – which makes it easier for him to breathe.

9. Pip & Grow only works with USA manufacturers who treat their workers well. I like that the box, sheets, and mattress are made of safe materials. I like knowing that no baby hands made my baby box.

10. Each time I put my son to sleep, I think of all the other families my baby box helps support. I know my purchase helps their children sleep soundly, too.

]]>Safe sleep…In a Baby Box?https://pipandgrow.com/safe-sleep-in-a-baby-box/
Fri, 27 Jul 2018 13:50:02 +0000https://pipandgrow.com/?p=4115The baby box revolution has officially arrived in the US. Which is pretty exciting - it means more babies have safe places to sleep and our female-owned, made in the USA business is thriving. But, we can’t help but wonder, baby boxes have been in Europe for more than 80 years. Why are they just now popular in America?

]]>The baby box revolution has officially arrived in the US. Which is pretty exciting – it means more babies have safe places to sleep and our female-owned, made in the USA business is thriving. But, we can’t help but wonder, baby boxes have been in Europe for more than 80 years. Why are they just now popular in America?

Well, I have a few hunches. Here are the six reasons I think baby boxes are taking off in the US:

#1 Finnish baby boxes finally made their US debut

Until recently, most of us had no idea that Finland had been giving a baby box to every mom-to-be since 1935. The Finnish government started this effort in order to lower their infant mortality rate – and it worked! Four years ago, the NY Times published an article about the Finnish program. It was a “Hey! Check out this weird-but-cool thing the Scandis are doing!” kind of piece. But, the idea caught on because it was an unexpected approach that calls us back to a simpler way of life. Plus it’s an example of a government helping new families – what a novel idea!

#2 Safe sleep is a priority

We all know about SIDS and suffocation risks for babies. The “back-to-sleep” campaign launched by pediatricians and public health experts in the ‘90s helped dramatically reduce the incidence of SIDS among babies in the US. But then things kind of stalled and the rate has held steady at 3500 infant deaths per year. That’s a terrifying statistic for any parent. All parents can (and frequently do) imagine losing their child and desperately want to keep their babies safe. Baby box parents have found a new, innovative way to ensure their little ones are sleeping safely, helping parents sleep well, too.

#3 “More is more” has become too much

We’ve all seen those celebrity instagram accounts (starts with a “K”, ends with an “ardashian”) featuring rose gold cribs and diamond-encrusted burp cloths. And it all just feels a little…ridiculous. All this aspiring to have bigger, fancier, more instagrammable baby gear has left a lot of parents cold. No one should have to take out a loan for a pretty baby bed. Especially given that one’s little darling is going to spit up on said bed at least 14 million times. I think baby box parents are looking for a simple, elegant safe sleep solution that doesn’t require selling a kidney. And, PS, baby boxes are still totally instagrammable.

#4 Love your Mother (Earth)

When I think about how much baby stuff ends up in the landfill, I get queasy. I picture a trash mountain of high chairs, pack ‘n’ plays, bouncy seats, and Sophie Giraffes. Do you see it, too? Every baby born has most of that stuff and it has to go somewhere when baby outgrows it. Our collective awareness of how all this plastic impacts the planet has been growing. Baby box parents look for green, earth-friendly solutions anywhere they can find them. A baby box is made from recycled materials and can be recycled when baby outgrows it. Voila!

#5 We long for simpler solutions

We have monitors to monitor our monitors these days. There are devices that count how many words a baby hears in a day. Babies wear special socks to measure their heart rate. There’s a changing table that weighs baby at every diaper change – just to be sure the kidling is growing well. Technology can be grand, don’t get me wrong. But it can also make us more anxious. (What do you do if baby’s weight dips for a day? Should you worry? Or maybe it’s nothing? Or the baby probably has cancer? Or is teething? Or Or Or Or?) Baby box parents are looking for something simpler. Worried about baby? Just peek into the box, which is always close at hand, and see your little love breathing. Now you can breathe, too.

#6 Pediatricians released those safe sleep guidelines and parents kind of panicked because now we’re supposed to keep babies in our rooms until they go to college

Ok. That’s an exaggeration. But, the American Academy of Pediatrics does recommend that babies sleep in their parents’ rooms (but not their parents’ beds) for at least 6 months. Parents everywhere said “Whoa” and started wondering if they would ever sleep again (nope). Baby box parents found a way to meet this guideline without moving an entire nursery into the master bedroom. Instead, they put a baby box in their room for baby’s first six months and then transition baby to a crib in his or her nursery. The master bedroom remains a parent-centered haven. Oh, and baby box parents temporarily relocate the baby box to the nursery during “adult only” time (picture my suggestive eyebrow waggle here).

So, in summary, I think baby boxes have (finally) become popular because of this beautiful confluence of events. Parents were searching for a simple, earth-friendly, safe sleep solution and the baby box arrived just in time.

Pip & Grow has many wholesale baby box partners who distribute Smitten Sleep Systems to new parents across the country. Earlier this year, we were intrigued when we received a call from Community Health Plan of Washington (CHPW). They were in the market for a CHPW-branded, custom baby box. At the time, Pip & Grow offered only two box designs, but being an entrepreneurial company, we were excited to take on a new challenge.

Designing a Custom Baby Box

CHPW established their baby box program in July 2017. They’d run through their initial wholesale baby box order, and were looking for a custom baby box that reflected their brand and would help them stand out. We worked with CHPW’s in-house designer to create a beautiful new box. The Night & Day box prominently and tastefully featured the CHPW logo in multiple locations.

The box flows from a beautiful starry night sky with a crescent moon, into a sunshiny day that turns into a brief rainstorm and back into a star-filled evening. The CHPW logo is modified to be the daytime sun, as well as the sunrise on the inside of the box. Each Smitten design incorporates what we call a “wink” – or a surprising design element that makes each box feel special. The sunrise on the inside of the box, a hand-drawn star, and a precious raincloud are the thoughtful details in this custom baby box.

The resulting Night & Day design was so beautiful, we wanted to make the box available for parents across the country. We approached the CHPW team and asked if they would be willing to allow us to sell their box in the Pip & Grow online store.

Night & Day Bassinet Box Benefits Families in Need

At Pip & Grow, we are committed to helping ALL babies sleep safely. From day one, we have offered a buy-one-give-one (BOGO) opportunity in our store that allows customers to purchase a box for themselves and to give a box to a family in need. We partner with non-profit organizations around the country to distribute the BOGO boxes.

We approached the CHPW team to identify a non-profit organization that would benefit from receiving donated boxes. They identified Mary’s Place in Seattle, an emergency shelter for women, children, and families experiencing homelessness. For each Night & Day Smitten purchased, a family struggling with homelessness in Seattle will receive a safe place for their infant to sleep.

]]>Families Belong Togetherhttps://pipandgrow.com/families-belong-together/
Wed, 20 Jun 2018 10:59:50 +0000https://pipandgrow.com/?p=3524You’re not supposed to get political with your business. Here at Pip & Grow we prefer to take a positive […]

Here at Pip & Grow we prefer to take a positive approach to activism. We work with nonprofits across the country to help ensure that babies have a safe place to sleep. We don’t care if those babies are black, white, or brown. We don’t care if their parents are Republican, Democrat, or Independent. We only care that babies need beds. We have always checked our personal views at the door.

Right now there more than 2000 children, taken from their parents at the border, who need a safe place to sleep. And we care about them just as much as the babies who sleep in Smittens.

These children are being kept in conditions most of us wouldn’t accept for a family pet. And, without a doubt, these little kids are terrified. I’m a writer and I still can’t find the words to describe what happens to my heart when I think about those tiny bodies lying in fear, eyes searching for a familiar face. In my mind’s eye, they all look like my daughter or my son. And, in truth, they are – because there’s no such thing as “someone else’s kids.” I am crushed, no demolished, thinking about the parents who want nothing more than to lay their hands on their children. To know that they are safe. Fearing they are not.

I probably interacted with my children 100 times today. Everything from utilitarian encounters (like changing a diaper or holding a hand to get upstairs) to loving moments (like a big hug or a pre-bedtime cuddle). And I took every one of those moments for granted. I took for granted that my babies were always within arms’ reach. That I could simply glance in their direction and know that they were safe. To imagine what would happen if I couldn’t touch them, or couldn’t see them, is too hard on my heart. I lose my breath at the thought.

My soul aches more with each story, and so I avoid the articles. I stay off social media. I change the channel. I feel powerless. I wish I could hop in the world’s biggest station wagon, drive to every last detention center, and scoop up all the kiddos. I wish I could then find their parents and promise each mother that I would make sure her baby was ok until the lawyers get this sorted out. I wish I could give every child a safe place to sleep.

But there’s no station wagon big enough. I don’t even know where to drive.

I donate to RAICES. I call my representatives. But it doesn’t feel like enough. There are more children every day. More families being torn apart for the crime of wanting a better life for their kids.

Sure, our immigration system is badly broken. Yes, we need to repair it. But, not by ransoming our most innocent. Never that. I want to knock those politicians’ heads together and say, “I don’t care who started it. Cut it out.” Just like I tell toddlers who are arguing.

And, so, I write this, Pip & Grow’s first political blog post. It is my moral obligation to say something and to say it through the loudest microphone available to me. It feels like so little in the face of such devastation and disgrace. But, perhaps, if we each take a step toward our best, most empathetic selves, we’ll all arrive somewhere better – together.

We must never forget that #familiesbelongtogether.

Want to help? Call your representatives.

Look, I hate making phone calls. I feel so awkward and cotton-mouthed. But, I hate what’s happening to these children even more. If you feel so inclined, please join me in overcoming phone fear. I’m calling my representatives today (202-224-3121).

This is what I’ll say, “Hello, my name is Kate Compton Barr. I live in [location]. I’m one of the [senator/congressperson’s] constituents. I’m calling to ask the [Senator/Congressperson] to stop family separation at our borders. I’m the mother of two young children, and cannot accept that this is who we are. I will be calling every day until you end this. Thank you.

Then I’m getting up and calling again tomorrow. And the next day. And the day after that. Until this stops. And I certainly won’t be voting for anyone who doesn’t do all they can to end this Right. Now.